Islamic Militarism and Terrorism in the Modern World Roots of Hate 1
Terrorism Terrorism in the modern world revolves around fundamentalist Islam To understand the issues, it is important to look at Islam as a religion first. 2
Islam World religion began by a prophet named Mohammed in the 7 th century. A Muslim is a follower of Islam Nearly 1 in 7 people in the world are Muslims and Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world Principles include peace and respect 3
Islam Religion by Continents 4
A Split in Islam Islam has two divisions (Sunni, Shia) The split was over leadership of the religion after the death of Mohammed Today Sunni s are the larger group and tension continues between the groups (Iraq: Sunni 30%, Shia 65%) Recently, sub-groups in both the Sunni and Shia sects have become more radical and violent (Al-Qaeda-Sunni) 5
Shia = Blue, Sunni = Green 6
Roots of hate in the Middle East Two major issues have sparked anger in many Middle Easterners, these are old issues that have come to a head in recent times 1. The nation of Israel 2. Oil Issues/ Western Influence 7
8
Israel A Jewish nation est. in 1948 after WWII. Created out of an Arab territory called Palestine Much has been debated over the ownership of this holy land, which has led to a number of wars between Israel and its Arab neighbors America has financially and militarily supported Israel from the 1940 s through today, making many Muslims upset with the US. 9
10
Western Influence The valuable resource of oil was discovered in massive amount in the 1920 s Many western companies began building trade relations. Many, Muslims began to fear changes in their culture and customs 11
12
Oil Interests 13
Oil Interests Recently, radical Muslims have begun to preach that their lands and people are being poisoned by western ideas and customs Many radicals became militaristic towards preserving Islam and radical organizations began to form in nations around the world 14
Western/Arab Relations http://www.npr.org/news/specials/mideast/the_we st/ 15
16
Al-Qaeda -Organization originate during Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan Goals: 1.To fight a holy war against infidels in Muslim areas 2.Remove governments that do not follow forms of extreme Islam (Wahhabism) 17
Soviet Afghan War 1979-1989 A communist government emerges in the late 70 s The Mujahedeen is a group of armed militants who oppose the communist government The communists call on the Soviets for help and the Soviets respond by invading Afghanistan and fighting the Mujahedeen This is an opportunity for Islamic Fundamentalists to fight a jihad in Afghanistan 18
This creates an opportunity for Bin Laden to become involved in this jihad and fight alongside the Mujahedeen The United States supports the Mujahedeen by providing weapons, training, and even leading some operations Soviets realize they will not win, begin withdrawal in 1989 Fundamentalists view this as a huge victory 19
Various warlords fight for power after communists are defeated A new group is emerging around 1994, the Taliban Controls Afghanistan from 1996-2001 20
Al-Qaeda Bin Laden and other Mujahedeen veterans began constructing training camps throughout the Muslim world to fight in future jihads 21
Al-Qaeda Al Qaeda is formed in Pakistan in 1996. Training camps are set up in Afghanistan. Members of Al-Qaeda have been trained in: Weapons and explosives Sabotage and assassination techniques Torture and interrogation 22
Taliban in Pakistan http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=253493 3n&tag=contentMain;contentBody March 9, 2007 6:04 AM http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2009/0 2/03/sayah.pakistan.taliban.buses.cnn?iref=videosear ch 2-6-09 date shown on CNN 23
24
Inside 9/11 (National Geographic video) (Overview) Traces the time line that led up to the deadly attacks, spanning decades and circling the globe to lay bare the roots of al Qaeda. Capturing the horror and heroism witnessed on September 11, 2001, "Inside 9/11" takes viewers into the last moments of those who died and the thousands of others who survived 25